Thanks for the discussion. I'll try to reply to several questions at
once here.

Q: Was I using lump with wood or wood only?
A: Both. I started out using wood only. Then I tried lump. Then
the lump with the wood. I did get better results with the lump/wood
combination, but it was a major test of my patience to keep the fire
going at the right temperatures. And, I've got tons of wood, free.
Well, maybe not tons of it, but a lot, and sources for more.

Q: Did I pre-burn and get the fire glowing red first?
A: No. In retrospect, that would probably help out with the
temperature eveness issue. It's a lot easier to keep a large fire
burning than it is to maintain a small one. Right now the smokers are
setting on the deck, which doesn't encourage fire pits. I may try
setting up the wood smoker out in the back yard with a fire pit next
to it so all I have to do is shovel coals in from the fire pit.

Q: What's the lowest stable temp on the gas smoker?
A: Dunno. I usually keep it in the range between 225-250 or so. It
can go lower, but I'm not sure how much lower. Right now, ambient
temperature in SE TN is 90 degrees or so. I don't think this setup
will work for cold smoking.

Q: Did I find the Bandera forum?
A: Yes, but I didn't devote the time to get anything out of it. Lot
of great info there, just didn't tap into it.

I have a lot of admiration for the folks who have the patience to
master fire tending. I'm not cut out to sit among your ranks right
now, but maybe once things settle down here and life isn't quite so
hectic, I'll get the hang of it. A lot of my trouble with
fire-tending boils down to self-discipline and distractions. I'm
trying to finish up my associates degree, work full time, new husband,
finish moving, be involved in church, find time for my motorcycle...
just too much going on. Once some of the stuff is taken care (I can't
go to school forever, can? Please say no....), I can take a full
weekend and do nothing but work with the fire. Until then, it's the
gas smoker. I can get a lot of homework done in 3-4 hours. : )

Grins,

Lori
SE TN

New Braunfels Bandera
Great Outdoors Model 3600 Gas Smoker